By Sharon Hanks
A non-profit organization that sells gently used items to raise money for Bibles will soon open its doors in the former
Jurgens & Holtvluwer Mens Store Inc. at 1054 Leonard St. NW in Grand Rapids.
Bibles for Missions Thrift Center is now accepting donations and recruiting volunteers before the store opens in late March or early April, says John Scafe, national director of the Hudsonville-based center. It will be the organization's sixth store in Michigan and its 15th store nationally since Bibles for Missions was established more than 15 years ago, he says.
"We're blessed to be in this neighborhood," says Scafe, adding that volunteers are excited about meeting the needs of the aging Westside area.
Proceeds from the store will be used to purchase soft scriptures and hard-bound Bibles for people in Ukraine, he says. They'll be distributed through
Bible League International, a Crete, Il.-based organization that coordinates the strategic placement of Bibles in more than 60 countries.
Bibles for Missions is a non-denominational organization operated solely by volunteers. Nearly 30 individuals have volunteered to manage the 8,500-square-foot Westside store, but Scafe says between 60 and 80 are needed. Those interested in volunteering can call the center at 454-6300. Donations can be dropped off at a loading door behind the building.
Jurgens & Holtvluewer men's clothing store was a fixture at the site for many years before closing this winter.
Source: John Scafe, national director of Bibles for Missions Thrift Center
Sharon Hanks is innovations and jobs news editor at Rapid Growth Media. Please send story ideas and comments for the column to Sharon at [email protected]. She also is owner of The Write Words in Grand Rapids.
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